While saying that he was happy to pair up with Vardhan, ranked 307 in men's doubles, Leander almost ridiculed his future partner I the same breath saying that he did not even know if the "kid" has grass court shoes.

In fact Leander went on to say that Vardhan has never been to Wimbledon and that as a senior partner, he would try to arrange proper grass court shoes for his less experienced and lowly ranked partner.

"The poor boy is 307 in the world and I don't even know if he has grass court shoes. So it is like a bit of a tough one. He is a really good kid and I am very happy to play with him. Whatever the obstacles are that I see they are going to be many," Paes said.

"He has never been at Wimbledon before. Trying to get him the right shoes, whatever I can do as an experienced professional athlete to help my partners out I do," he added.

"It is the dream of any young Indian kid to play and no one is going to stop me from that. I have been the only player that qualified directly for the Olympics from India and for me that is a great honour. I have already got an Olympic medal in singles and it is the greatest joy," he further said.

It was clearly haughty and patronising comments made by a seasoned professional like Paes against a junior who looks up to him.

However, speaking to Headlines Today, Vardhan refrained from getting mired in any controversy and bad-mouthing as he ignored Paes' sharp and hurtful remarks on his ability to acquire proper tennis shoes.

From being the ultimate sporting icon, who has even led the Indian contingent as the flag-bearer at the ceremonies of some of the biggest multi-nation events, to today when Paes has behaved in this manner, he has set a highly objectionable precedent of how a senior should behave.